Monument fixtures

ABSTRACT

A wall guard, monument, and vehicle are provided. The wall guard includes a retaining rail that is mountable to a wall surface of a monument in a vehicle. The retaining rail includes opposing edges that include outward-facing retention lips. A rub strip includes a resilient body and also includes a third lengthwise edge and a fourth lengthwise edge. The third lengthwise edge includes a first inward-facing retention tab and fourth lengthwise edge includes a second inward-facing retention tab. The inward-facing retention tabs engage the respective outward-facing retention lips to attach the rub strip to the retaining rail. The wall guard also includes end caps arranged at ends of the resilient body and the retaining rail. The end caps include an exterior profile that matches a profile of the rub strip. The end caps cover the ends of the rub strip and the retaining rail.

BACKGROUND

Monuments are typically included in vehicles, such as aircraft, buses,and ships, to provide closets, lavatories, galleys, partitions, andother structures. In such vehicles, space is typically at a premium, andsuch monuments are subject to impacts by passengers, luggage, drinkcarts, and other objects on board the vehicle. To protect the monumentsfrom damage and unsightly blemishes, the monuments often have rub stripsaffixed at strategic spots. For example, a monument may include rubstrips at floor level to protect against kicks (i.e., a kick strip), rubstrips several feet above the floor to protect against impacts fromcarts and luggage, and vertical rub strips arranged at corners.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a wall guard includes a retaining rail. Theretaining rail includes a first lengthwise edge and an opposing secondlengthwise edge. The retaining rail includes a flat side between thefirst and second lengthwise edges configured to abut a wall surface. Theretaining rail also includes an opposing side and at least two fastenerholes (604) between the flat side and the opposing side. The fastenerholes are configured to receive fasteners. The first lengthwise edgeincludes a first outward-facing retention lip and the second lengthwiseedge includes a second outward-facing retention lip. The wall guard alsoincludes a rub strip that comprises a resilient body. The resilient bodyincludes a third lengthwise edge and an opposing fourth lengthwise edge.The third lengthwise edge includes a first inward-facing retention taband the fourth lengthwise edge includes a second inward-facing retentiontab. The resilient body is temporarily deformable from a relaxed stateto align the first and second inward-facing retention tabs with thefirst and second outward-facing retention lips, respectively, andreturns to the relaxed state such that the first and secondinward-facing retention tabs engage the first and second outward-facingretention lips, respectively. The first inward-facing retention tab isconfigured to engage the first retention lip and the secondinward-facing retention tab is configured to engage the second retentionlip when the resilient body is in the relaxed state. An exterior surfaceof the resilient body defines a profile. The wall guard also includes afirst end cap arranged at a first end of the resilient body. The firstend cap includes an exterior profile that matches the profile defined bythe resilient body. The first end cap covers the first end of theresilient body and an end of the retaining rail.

According to one aspect, a monument for a vehicle includes a first walland a wall guard. The wall guard includes a retaining rail thatcomprises a first lengthwise edge and an opposing second lengthwiseedge. The retaining rail includes a flat side between the first andsecond lengthwise edges configured to abut a wall surface. The retainingrail also includes an opposing side and includes at least two fastenerholes between the flat side and the opposing side. The fastener holesare configured to receive fasteners. The first lengthwise edge includesa first outward-facing retention lip and wherein the second lengthwiseedge includes a second outward-facing retention lip. The wall guardincludes fasteners extending through the respective at least twofastener holes and affixed in the wall attaching the retaining rail tothe wall. The wall guard also includes a rub strip that comprises aresilient body that includes a third lengthwise edge and an opposingfourth lengthwise edge. The third lengthwise edge includes a firstinward-facing retention tab and the fourth lengthwise edge includes asecond inward-facing retention tab. The resilient body is temporarilydeformable from a relaxed state to align the first and secondinward-facing retention tabs with the first and second outward-facingretention lips, respectively, and returns to the relaxed state such thatthe first and second inward-facing retention tabs engage the first andsecond outward-facing retention lips, respectively. The firstinward-facing retention tab is configured to engage the first retentionlip and the second inward-facing tab is configured to engage the secondretention lip when the resilient body is in the relaxed state, andwherein an exterior surface of the resilient body defines a profile. Thewall guard also includes a first end cap arranged at a first end of theresilient body. The first end cap includes an exterior profile thatmatches the profile defined by the resilient body. The first end capcovers the first end of the resilient body and an end of the retainingrail.

According to one aspect, a vehicle includes a passenger compartment thatincludes a floor. The vehicle includes a monument arranged in thepassenger compartment, wherein the monument comprises a first wall. Abottom end of the first wall abuts the floor. The monument includes awall guard arranged on the monument. The wall guard includes a retainingrail that comprises a first lengthwise edge and an opposing secondlengthwise edge. The retaining rail includes a flat side between thefirst and second lengthwise edges configured to abut a wall surface. Theretaining rail also includes an opposing side and at least two fastenerholes between the flat side and the opposing side configured to receivefasteners. The first lengthwise edge includes a first outward-facingretention lip and wherein the second lengthwise edge includes a secondoutward-facing retention lip. The wall guard also includes fastenersextending through the respective at least two fastener holes and affixedin the wall attaching the retaining rail to the wall. The wall guardalso includes a rub strip that comprises a resilient body that includesa third lengthwise edge and an opposing fourth lengthwise edge. Thethird lengthwise edge includes a first inward-facing retention tab andthe fourth lengthwise edge includes a second inward-facing retentiontab. The resilient body is temporarily deformable from a relaxed stateto align the first and second inward-facing retention tabs with thefirst and second outward-facing retention lips, respectively, andreturns to the relaxed state such that the first and secondinward-facing retention tabs engage the first and second outward-facingretention lips, respectively. The first inward-facing retention tab isconfigured to engage the first retention lip and the secondinward-facing tab is configured to engage the second retention lip whenthe resilient body is in the relaxed state, and wherein an exteriorsurface of the resilient body defines a profile. The wall guard alsoincludes a first end cap arranged at a first end of the resilient body.The first end cap includes an exterior profile that matches the profiledefined by the resilient body. The first end cap covers the first end ofthe resilient body and an end of the retaining rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIONS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closet for a vehicle that includeshorizontal rub strips and a vertical rub strip according to variousaspects;

FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an interior corner of acloset that includes a vertical rub strip and extrusion according to atleast one aspect;

FIG. 3A is an end view of the extrusion illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is an end view of a variation of the extrusion illustrated inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is an end view of the vertical rub strip illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is an end view of a variation of the vertical rub stripillustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A is an end view of the extrusion and vertical rub stripillustrated in FIG. 2 assembled together;

FIG. 5B is an end view of the variations of the extrusion and verticalrub strip from FIGS. 3B and 4B, respectively, assembled together;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a retaining rail according to oneaspect affixed to a wall surface with end caps arranged at ends of theretaining rail;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of retaining rails according to the aspectillustrated in FIG. 6A on two walls, wherein the walls meet at a corner,and a corner end cap arranged at ends of the retaining rails proximal tothe corner;

FIG. 7A is an end cross-sectional view of a retaining rail according tothe aspect illustrated in FIG. 6A affixed to a wall surface with a rubstrip illustrated in exploded view;

FIG. 7B is an end cross-sectional view of a retaining rail of FIG. 7Awith the rub strip of FIG. 7A installed on the retaining rail;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a monument surface after a first stepin a process, according to one aspect, in which end caps according toone aspect are affixed to a wall surface;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the monument wall after a second stepof the process illustrated in FIG. 8A, in which a retaining railaccording to the aspect is affixed to the wall surface between and inline with the end caps;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the monument wall after a third step ofthe process illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in which a rub stripaccording to the aspect is arranged over the retaining rail and aportion of the end caps;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a monument wall after a first step in aprocess, according to another aspect, in which end caps according toanother aspect are affixed to a wall surface;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the monument wall after a second stepof the process illustrated in FIG. 9A, in which a retaining railaccording to the another aspect is affixed to the wall surface betweenand in line with the end caps;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the monument wall after a third step ofthe process illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, in which a rub stripaccording to the another aspect is arranged over the retaining rail anda portion of the end caps;

FIG. 9D is an end view of the rub strip of FIG. 9C in a relaxed state;

FIG. 9E is an end view of the rub strip of FIG. 9D deformed from therelaxed state shown in FIG. 9D;

FIG. 9F is an end view of the rub strip of FIG. 9E, deformed from therelaxed state and aligned with the retaining rail of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 9G is an end view of the rub strip of FIG. 9E returned to therelaxed state such that the rub strip is affixed to the retaining railof FIG. 9B;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional end view of a rub strip affixed to aretaining rail according to another aspect;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an exterior corner of a closet after afirst step of a process, according to one embodiment, in which avertical rub strip according to the aspect depicted in FIG. 4 has beeninstalled along a partial length of the extrusion according to theaspect depicted in FIG. 3;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet ofFIG. 11A after a second step of a process, according to one embodiment,in which a bracket has been installed into the extrusion;

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet ofFIG. 11A after a third step of a process, according to one embodiment,in which a snap fixture has been installed onto the extrusion and thebracket;

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet ofFIG. 11A after a fourth step of a process, according to one embodiment,in which another vertical rub strip according to the aspect depicted inFIG. 4 has been installed above the snap fixture;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an exterior corner of a closet after afirst step of a process, according to one embodiment, in which anextrusion according to the aspect depicted in FIG. 3 has been installedwith a slot formed in the extrusion;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet ofFIG. 12A after a second step of a process, according to one embodiment,in which brackets have been installed into the extrusion proximal to theslot formed in the extrusion and in which a vertical rub strip accordingto the aspect depicted in FIG. 4 has been installed along the length ofthe extrusion, and wherein the vertical rub strip includes an aperturetherethrough aligned with the slot in the extrusion;

FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet ofFIG. 12A after a third step of a process, according to one embodiment,in which a light fixture has been installed onto the extrusion and thebracket through the aperture in the vertical rub strip of FIG. 12B; and

FIG. 12D is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet ofFIG. 11A after a fourth step of a process, according to one embodiment,in which a light source has been installed onto the light fixture ofFIG. 12C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, reference is made to aspects presented in thisdisclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limitedto specific described aspects. Instead, any combination of the followingfeatures and elements, whether related to different aspects or not, iscontemplated to implement and practice contemplated aspects.Furthermore, although aspects disclosed herein may achieve advantagesover other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether or not aparticular advantage is achieved by a given aspect is not limiting ofthe scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the following aspects,features, and advantages are merely illustrative and are not consideredelements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitlyrecited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the invention” or “thedisclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventivesubject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be anelement or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitlyrecited in a claim(s).

Monuments are typically included in passenger compartments of vehicles,such as aircraft, buses, and ships, to provide closets, lavatories,galleys, partitions, and other structures. In such vehicles, space istypically at a premium, and such monuments are subject to impacts bypassengers, luggage, drink carts, and other objects on board thevehicle. To protect the monuments from damage and unsightly blemishes,the monuments typically include rub strips affixed at strategic spots.For example, a monument may include rub strips at floor level to protectagainst kicks, rub strips several feet above the floor to protectagainst impacts from carts and luggage, and vertical rub strips arrangedat corners.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a monument 100 arranged on a floor 112in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. Themonument 100 includes a wall 102 and a door 104. The monument 100includes a vertical rub strip arranged at a corner 106 between the wall102 and the door 104. Horizontal rub strips (i.e., wall guards) aredisposed along the wall 102 and the door 104 at a location 110 adjacentto the floor 112. The monument 100 also includes horizontal rub strips(i.e., wall guards) 108 along the wall 102 and the door 104 positionedat a location 108 spaced apart from the floor 112 (e.g., 3 feet or 1meter from the floor).

Such rub strips typically were attached to the monument 100 usingdiscrete fasteners, such as tabs on the rub strips that fit into slotsin the monument 100. Significant processing (e.g., trimming and fitting)may be needed during installation of such rub strips (e.g., to fitaround doorways), which increases the amount of time to install the rubstrips. Additionally, such rub strips typically included several exposedseams. The exposed seams could be unsightly and could also trap dirt orother debris.

In aspects described herein, vertical and horizontal rub strips (or rubstrip arranged in other orientations), and systems for affixing such rubstrips to a monument, are disclosed. In the various aspects, a reducedamount of processing is performed to install the rub strips.Additionally, the installed rub strips have a reduced number of exposedseams.

FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an interior of a corner106 of the monument 100, such as a closet, that includes a door 104. Thecorner 106 of the monument 100 includes an extrusion 210 according toone aspect that supports a hinge 202 to which the door 104 is attached(e.g., via fasteners 204). The extrusion 210 also supports wall panels230 and 232. In the aspect shown in FIG. 2, the monument includes aninterior wall panel 232 and an exterior wall panel 230. The exteriorwall panel 232 could be specific to a particular vehicle or vehicleoperator and it could include a decorative design or color on anoutward-facing surface that matches and/or complements other interiordetails of the vehicle. The interior wall panel 230 could bestandardized across all similar monuments. In various other aspects, themonument could include a single wall panel in place of the two wallpanels 230 and 232 illustrated in FIG. 2. The monument optionallyincludes a light fixture 260 arranged in the interior of the corner andabutting a wire raceway 240. Wiring 245 can be routed to the lightfixture 260 (and optionally to other equipment) via the wire raceway240. The wire raceway 240 includes a visible cover 242 and a surface 246abutting an interior-facing surface 233 of the interior wall panel 232.The surface 246 can include fastener holes 250 that can receivefasteners (e.g., rivets, bolts, or plugs) to affix the surface 246 tothe interior wall panel 232. The visible cover 242 also includes aflange 248 that can engage a retention hook 328 (discussed in greaterdetail with respect to FIG. 3, below) of the extrusion 210. The visiblecover 242 of the wire raceway 240 can be made of a resilient material(such as a nylon material) that is flexible such that an installer canbend the visible cover 242 away from the interior wall panel 232 toinstall fasteners through the fastener holes 250 of the surface 246.Thereafter, the installer can push the visible cover 242 such that theflange 248 engages the retention hook 328 of the extrusion 210. Thecorner 106 of the monument 100 also includes a vertical rub strip 220engaged with the extrusion 210 according to one aspect.

FIG. 3A is an end view of the extrusion 210 depicted in FIG. 2. Anextrusion has a constant cross-sectional profile along a lengthwisedirection of the extrusion. After an extrusion has been formed, holes,slots, or the like can be formed at specific locations in the extrusionthrough drilling or other machining procedures. In the subsequentdescription of the extrusion shown in FIG. 3A, the cross-sectionalprofile along the lengthwise direction (i.e., into and out of the page)is constant except where described otherwise. Furthermore, in thesubsequent description of the extrusion, the described features are indirections perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. Referring to FIG.3A, the extrusion 210 includes a spar 302 that includes a first planarsurface 304 and a second planar surface 306 on opposing side from thefirst planar surface 304. The spar 302 includes a first end 330 and asecond opposing end 332. The first planar surface 304 and the secondplanar surface 306 span between the first end 330 and the second end332.

The spar 302 includes a first retention lip 308 arranged along the firstend 330 and protruding from the first planar surface 304 of the spar302, such that the first retention lip 308 and the first planar surface304 of the spar 302 form an acute angle α. In one aspect, the angle α isbetween 30° and 85°. In another aspect, the angle α is between 40° and50°. In another aspect, the angle α is 45°.

The extrusion 210 also includes a rub strip protrusion 310 extendingfrom the first planar surface 304 of the spar 302 at a location betweenthe first end 330 and the opposing second end 332. In one aspect, therub strip protrusion 310 extends substantially perpendicular from thefirst planar surface 304 of the spar 302 and terminates at a third end334. The rub strip protrusion 310 includes a third surface 312 facingthe first end 330 of the spar 302. The third end 334 of the rub stripprotrusion 310 is opposite the first planar surface 304 of the spar 302.The rub strip protrusion 310 includes a second retention lip 314arranged along the third end 334 of the rub strip protrusion 310 suchthat the second retention lip 314 and the third surface 312 of the rubstrip protrusion 310 form an acute angle β. In one aspect, the angle βis between 30° and 85°. In another aspect, the angle β is between 40°and 50°. In another aspect, the angle β is 45°. As depicted in FIG. 3A,the rub strip protrusion 310 could protrude from the first planarsurface 304 of the spar 302 at a location approximately equidistant fromthe first end 330 and the opposing second end 332. In other aspects, therub strip protrusion 310 could protrude from the first planar surface304 of the spar 302 and to a location closer to the first end 330 orcloser to the second end 332. In one aspect, the rub strip protrusion310 protrudes from the first planar surface 304 of the spar 302 at alocation where a distance from the rub strip protrusion 310 to the firstend 330 of the spar 302 is the same as a dimension of the rub stripprotrusion from the first planar surface 304 of the spar 302 to thethird end 334. For example, in aspects in which the angles α and β are45°, having the dimension of the rub strip protrusion 310 and thedistance along the spar 302 from the rub strip protrusion 310 to thefirst end 330 being equal to each other results in the first retentionlip 308 and the second retention lip 314 being aligned with one another.The first retention lip 308 and the second retention lip 314 define awindow 390 therebetween (regardless of the alignment between theretention lips 308 and 314). The window 390 can receive retention tabsof a rub strip therethrough such that outward-facing notches on ends ofthe retention tabs can engage the retention lips 308 and 314. Suchretention tabs and outward-facing notches are described in greaterdetail below with reference to FIGS. 4A and 5A.

The extrusion 210 also includes panel protrusions in some aspects thatreceive and hold panels that form a monument. In the illustrated aspect,the extrusion 210 includes a first panel protrusion 318 extending fromthe second planar surface 306 of the spar 302 along the first end 330 ofthe spar 302. The first panel protrusion 318 terminates at a sixth end342. The extrusion 210 includes a second panel protrusion 320 extendingfrom the second planar surface 306 of the spar 302 along the secondopposing end 332 of the spar 302. The extrusion 210 includes a thirdpanel protrusion 322 extending from the second planar surface 306 of thespar 302 at a location between the first end 330 and the second opposingend 332 of the spar 302. In one aspect, the first panel protrusion 318,the second panel protrusion 320, and the third panel protrusion 322extend substantially perpendicularly from the second planar surface 306of the spar 302. Referring again to FIG. 2, the exterior wall panel 230can be arranged between the first panel protrusion 318 and the thirdpanel protrusion 322 and the interior wall panel 232 can be arrangedbetween the second panel protrusion 320 and the third panel protrusion322. In aspects in which the interior wall panel 232 and the exteriorwall panel 230 are a single panel, the third panel protrusion 322 of theextrusion 210 can be omitted.

The second panel protrusion 320 of the extrusion 210 includes a fourthsurface 324 facing away from the first panel protrusion 318 and thethird panel protrusion 322. The extrusion 210 includes a racewayprotrusion 326 extending from the fourth surface 324. In one aspect, theraceway protrusion 326 extends perpendicularly from the fourth surface324 of the second panel protrusion 320. The raceway protrusion 326terminates at a fourth end 336 opposite the fourth surface 324. Theraceway protrusion 326 includes the retention hook 328 that engages theflange 248 of the visible cover 242 of the wire raceway 240, discussedabove with reference to FIG. 2. In various aspects, the wire raceway 240could be replaced with another part, and the other part could include aflange similar to the flange 248 to engage the retention hook 328.

The extrusion 210 also includes a hinge protrusion 316 extending fromthe first planar surface 304 of the spar 302 along the second end 332 ofthe spar 302. In one aspect, the hinge protrusion 316 extendsperpendicularly from the first planar surface 304 of the spar 302. Thehinge protrusion 316 includes a fifth surface 350 facing away from thespar 302 and the rub strip protrusion 310. Referring again to FIG. 2, ahinge (e.g., the hinge 202) can be attached to the fifth surface 350 ofthe hinge protrusion 316 such that a door (e.g., the door 104) can bemounted for the monument 100. As discussed above, after the extrusion210 is formed, fastener holes can be drilled through the fifth surface350, and fasteners could be inserted through the hinge and the holes inthe hinge protrusion 316 to attach the hinge to the hinge protrusion316. In at least one aspect, the extrusion 210 could be located at acorner that does not have a door. In such instances, the hingeprotrusion 350 could support another wall panel, such as the exteriorwall panel 230 and/or the interior wall panel 232 shown in FIG. 2.Furthermore, in such instances, the hinge protrusion 316 could includeadditional protrusions extending away from the fifth surface 350 tosupport such wall panels. In at least one aspect, the hinge protrusion316 terminates at a fifth end 338 opposite the spar 302. The extrusion210 can include a bridge protrusion 340 extending between the third end334 of the rub strip protrusion 310 and a fifth end 338 of the hingeprotrusion 316. The bridge protrusion 340 can provide additionalstrength to the rub strip protrusion 310 and/or the hinge protrusion316.

In one aspect, the extrusion 210 is formed from a metal, such as analuminum alloy, a steel alloy, a magnesium alloy, and/or a titaniumalloy. In other aspects, the extrusion 210 is formed from an engineeringplastic material, such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, apolystyrene material, a polypropylene material, and/or a polyethylenematerial.

FIG. 4A is an end view of the vertical rub strip 220 depicted in FIG. 2.The vertical rub strip 220 typically is formed from a rubber or aresilient plastic material, such as a nylon polymer. The vertical rubstrip 220 could be formed through an extrusion process. The vertical rubstrip 220 includes an elongate body 402 with an exterior side 404 and aninterior side 406. The elongate body 402 includes a center portion 408that bends toward the interior side 406. For example, the exterior side404 could define an arcuate surface. The elongate body 402 includes afirst straight portion 410 extending from one side of the center portion408 and a second straight portion 412 extending from an opposite side ofthe center portion 408. The first straight portion 410 includes a firstend 422 with a first lip 420 protruding from the interior side 406 ofthe elongate body 402 at the first end 422. The second straight portion412 includes a second end 426 with a second lip 424 protruding from theinterior side 406 of the elongate body 402 at the second end 426. In oneaspect, the lips 422 and 424 fully cover and hide from view theextrusion 210 to reduce visible parting lines and exposed seams.

The vertical rub strip 220 also includes a first retention tab 413extending from the interior side 406 of the elongate body 402 and asecond retention tab 416 extending from the interior side 406 of theelongate body 402. The first retention tab 413 and the second retentiontab 416 extend from the center portion 408 of the elongate body 402. Thefirst retention tab 413 includes a first outward-facing notch 414 andthe second retention tab 416 includes a second outward-facing notch 418.Because the vertical rub strip 220 is made from a resilient material,the first retention tab 413 and the second retention tab 416 aredeformable in the direction of arrows A. Put differently, the firstretention tab 413 and the second retention tab 416 can be squeezedtogether. When such a squeezing force is removed, the first retentiontab 413 and the second retention tab 416 move in the direction indicatedby arrows B to return to a relaxed state.

The vertical rub strip 220 also includes a first alignment protrusion430 extending from the interior side 406 of the elongate body 402 and asecond alignment protrusion 432 extending from the interior side 406 ofthe elongate body 402. The first alignment protrusion 430 and the secondalignment protrusion 432 extend from the center portion 408 of theelongate body 402 and/or a transition between the center portion 408 andthe respective straight portions 410 and 412 of the elongate body 402.

FIG. 5A illustrates the vertical rub strip 220 of FIG. 4A installed inthe extrusion 210 of FIG. 3A. The outward-facing notch 414 of the firstretention tab 413 of the vertical rub strip 220 is engaged with thefirst retention lip 308 of the extrusion 210. Also, the outward-facingnotch 418 of the second retention tab 416 of the vertical rub strip 220is engaged with the second retention lip 314 of the extrusion 210. Theretention tabs 413 and 416 deflect inwardly (in the direction of arrowsA in FIG. 4A) such that the outward-facing notches 414 and 418 can movethrough the window 390 and past the first and second retention lips 308and 314. Once the notches 414 and 418 pass the first and secondretention lip 308 and 314, the retention tabs 413 and 416 can relaxoutwardly (in the direction of arrows B in FIG. 4A) such that theoutward-facing notches 414 and 418 engage the respective retention lips308 and 314.

The first alignment protrusion 430 of the vertical rub strip 220 canabut an outward-facing surface 352 of the first alignment protrusion308. Similarly, the second alignment protrusion 432 of the vertical rubstrip 220 abuts an outward-facing surface 354 of the second alignmentprotrusion 314. The first and second alignment protrusions 430 and 432pressing against the respective retention lips 308 and 314 can providetension between the notches 414 and 418 and the first and secondretention lips 308 and 314, respectively. Stated differently, the firstand second alignment protrusions 430 and 432 may be deformed from arelaxed state when the notches 414 and 418 and the first and secondretention lips 308 and 314 are engaged. The deformation of the first andsecond alignment protrusions 430 and 432 introduces a biasing force thatpulls the notches 414 and 418 into engagement with the first and secondretention lips 308 and 314. The biasing force increases frictionalforces between the notches 414 and 418 and the retention lips 308 and314 that could prevent inadvertent disengagement. The first and secondalignment protrusions 430 and 432 can also urge the vertical rub strip220 into alignment with the extrusion 210. In one aspect, the first andsecond alignment protrusions 430 and 432 are relatively short and stiffto positively locate and keep the vertical rub strip 220 centered inalignment with the extrusion 210, which allows the 413 and 416 retentiontabs to be relatively long and flexible to create an optimal snap-inengagement feature.

In at least one aspect, the extrusion 210 also includes a small notch339 or joggle local to the fifth end 338 and an slightly shortened firstpanel protrusion 318 such that the first lip 420 and second lip 424 canwrap around these edges and fully hide the extrusion 210 from view.

The vertical rub strip 220 can also be attached to the extrusion 210along the first end 422 and the second end 426. As illustrated in FIG.5A, the first lip 420 along the first end 422 of the elongate body 402can engage the sixth end 342 of the first panel protrusion 318.Similarly, the second lip 424 along the second end 426 of the elongatebody 402 can engage the fifth end 338 of the hinge protrusion 316. In atleast one aspect, the extrusion 210 and the vertical rub strip 220 aresized such that the first straight portion 410 and the second straightportion 412 stretch slightly for the first lip 422 engage the sixth end342 of the first panel protrusion 318 and for the second lip 424 twoengage the fifth end 338 of the hinge protrusion 316. Such slightstretching can increase friction forces between the lips 420 and 424 ofthe vertical rub strip 220 and the respective ends 342 and 338 of theextrusion 210, thereby increasing engagement therebetween.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the vertical rub strip 220 wraps neatlyaround the extrusion 210 and does not require any trimming afterinstallation. For example, the vertical rub strip 220 does not requiretrimming proximate to the hinge 202 for the door panel 104. In at leastone aspect, as shown in FIG. 2, the hinge 202 can at least partiallycover the second end 426 of the vertical rub strip 220. Additionally onthe non-hinge side for door openings the second end 426 of the verticalrub strip 220 wraps around the edge of the extrusion 210 at the fifthend 338 and terminates flush with the fifth surface 350 on the hingeprotrusion such that the rub strip 220 does not require trimming to bekept clear of the door opening.

FIGS. 3B, 4B, and 5B are top views of an extrusion 210′ and rub strip220′ that are variations of the extrusion 210 and rub strip 220illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A, 4A, and 5A. The extrusion 210′ illustratedin FIG. 3B includes a first retention lip 308′ that extends from thefirst planar surface 304 of the spar 302 at a location that is spacedapart from the first end 330. Additionally, the extrusion 210′ includesa second retention lip 314′ that extends from the third surface 312 ofthe rub strip protrusion 310 at a location that is spaced apart from thethird end 334. As a result of the first retention lip 308′ being spacedapart from the first end 330, the first end 330 includes a first corner331. Likewise, as a result of the second retention lip 314′ being spacedapart from the third end 334, the third end 334 includes a second corner311. The vertical rub strip 220′ illustrated in FIG. 4B includes a firstretention tab 413′ that extends from the interior surface 406 of theelongate body 402 and includes a first outward-facing notch 414′ formedas an angled kink at an end of the first retention tab 413′. Thevertical rub strip 220′ also includes a second retention tab 416′ thatextends from the interior surface 406 of the elongate body 402 andincludes a second outward-facing notch 418′ formed as an angled kink atan end of the first retention tab 416′. Furthermore, the vertical rubstrip 220′ includes a first alignment nub 430′ in place of the firstalignment protrusion 430 illustrated in FIG. 4A. Also, the vertical rubstrip 220′ includes a second alignment nub 432′ in place of the secondalignment protrusion 432 illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5B illustrates the vertical rub strip 220′ of FIG. 4B installed inthe extrusion 210′ of FIG. 3B. The outward-facing notch 414′ of thefirst retention tab 413′ of the vertical rub strip 220′ is engaged withthe first retention lip 308′ of the extrusion 210′. Also, theoutward-facing notch 418′ of the second retention tab 416′ of thevertical rub strip 220′ is engaged with the second retention lip 314′ ofthe extrusion 210′. The retention tabs 413′ and 416′ deflect inwardly(in the direction of arrows A in FIG. 4B) such that the outward-facingnotches 414′ and 418′ can move through the window 390′ and past thefirst and second retention lips 308 and 314. Once the notches 414′ and418′ pass the first and second retention lip 308′ and 314′, theretention tabs 413′ and 416′ can relax outwardly (in the direction ofarrows B in FIG. 4B) such that the outward-facing notches 414′ and 418′engage the respective retention lips 308′ and 314′.

When the vertical rub strip 220′ is installed on the extrusion 210′, thefirst alignment nub 430′ on the vertical rub strip 220′ abuts the firstcorner 331 at the first end 330 of the spar 203. Also, the secondalignment nub 432′ on the vertical rub strip 220′ abuts the secondcorner 311 at the third end 334 of the rub strip protrusion 310. Thefirst and second alignment nubs 430′ and 432′ can urge the vertical rubstrip 220′ into alignment with the extrusion 210′.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the monument 100 can also include horizontalrub strips 110 arranged at a base of the monument 100 and horizontal rubstrips 108 positioned along the wall 102 and door 104 at a positionspaced apart from the floor 112. FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective viewsof retaining rails and end caps that can be used with such horizontalrub strips. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the retaining rails and endcaps are positioned at the base of the monument 100 adjacent to thefloor 112. However, the retaining rails and caps could also bepositioned at a different location of the monument spaced apart from thefloor 112. FIG. 6A illustrates a retaining rail 602 that includes afirst retaining rail segment 602 a and a second retaining rail segment602 b. In various aspects, the retaining rail 602 could be made of asingle retaining rail segment or more than two retaining rail segments.The use of retaining rail segments, such as retaining rail segments 602a and 602 b, provide for a modular design such that a suitable number ofretaining rail segments can be aligned in a row and spaced apart toprovide a retaining rail of nearly any length. Thus, the retaining rail602 does not have to be custom sized for every different application.

The retaining rail segments 602 a and 602 b include pluralities offastener holes 604. Fasteners 606 are inserted through selected ones ofthe pluralities of fastener holes 604 to affix the first and secondretaining rail segments 602 a and 602 b to the wall surface 102 (or to adoor panel 104). As shown in FIG. 6A, each of the retaining railsegments 602 a and 602 b is attached to the wall by four fasteners 606.In various aspects, more or fewer numbers of fasteners can attach theretaining rail segments 602 a and 602 b to the wall 102. The retainingrail segments 602 a and 602 b include alignment notches 620 arranged atends of the retaining rail segments 602 a and 602 b. FIG. 6A alsoillustrates end caps 610 arranged at ends of the row of retaining railsegments 602 a and 602 b. The end caps 610 include alignment tabs 614that engage the alignment notches 620 of the retaining rail segments 602a and 602 b. The alignment tabs 614 can also include fastener holes 616the receive fasteners 606 to affix the end caps 610 to the wall 102. Theend caps 610 include an outward-facing surface 612 with an exteriorprofile that matches the profile of a rub strip (discussed in greaterdetail below with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B) installed over theretaining rail 602 so that the outward-facing surfaces 612 of the endcaps 610 and the rub strip form a nearly continuous surface.

FIG. 6B illustrates an end cap 652 that covers a corner betweenintersecting walls 102. The endcap 652 includes an exterior profile 654that bends around the corner and it also matches the profile of the rubstrips installed over the retaining rails 602 on the walls 102. Theendcap 652 includes alignment tabs 614 that engage alignment notches 620of retaining rail segments adjacent to the corner. For example, as shownin FIG. 6B, a first alignment tab 614 of the endcap 652 engages analignment notch 620 of a retaining rail segment 602 e on a first walland a second alignment tab 614 of the endcap 652 engages an alignmentnotch 620 of a retaining rail segment 602 a and a second wall 102. Asshown in FIG. 6B, the endcap 652 can be arranged over the extrusion 210in at least one aspect. In such aspects, the endcap 652 can includeinterior features similar to or identical to the first retaining tab 413the second retaining tab 416 and the respective outward-facing notches414 and 418 of the vertical rub strip 220, discussed above withreference to FIGS. 4 and 5, to further secure the endcap 652 in thecorner.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are side views of the retaining rail 602 from the sideand also illustrate a rub strip 700 in an unattached state and anattached state with respect to the retaining rail 602, respectively. Theretaining rail 602 includes a flat side 664 abutting the surface of thewall 102 and an opposing side 666. The retaining rail 602 furtherincludes a first lengthwise end 662 and a second lengthwise end 660opposite the first lengthwise end 662. The first lengthwise end 662includes a first outward-facing retention lip 672 and the secondlengthwise end 660 includes a second outward-facing retention lip 670.

The rub strip 700 includes a resilient, elongate body 702 that includesa third lengthwise end 706 and a fourth lengthwise end 704 opposite thethird lengthwise end 706. The elongate body includes an exterior surface712 and an interior surface 714 between the third lengthwise end 706 andthe fourth lengthwise end 704. The third lengthwise end 706 of theelongate body includes a first inward-facing retention tab 710 thatengages the first outward-facing retention lip 672 of the retaining rail602. Similarly, the fourth lengthwise end 704 of the elongate body 702includes a second inward-facing retention tab 708 that engages thesecond outward-facing retention lip 670 of the retaining rail 602. Theresilient body 702 can be deformed from a relaxed state to spread apartthe first inward-facing retention tab 710 and the second inward-facingretention tab 708 such that the inward-facing retention tabs 710 and 708can be placed over the respective outward-facing retention lips 672 and670 of the retaining rail. After the elongate body 702 is placed overthe retaining rail 602, the elongate body 702 can be released such thatit returns to the relaxed state. As a result, the first inward-facingretention tab 710 engages the first outward-facing retention lip 672 andthe second inward-facing retention tab 708 engages the secondoutward-facing retention lip 670, and the rub strip 700 is attached tothe retaining rail 602. Alternatively, the second inward-facingretention tab 708 of the rub strip 700 in the relaxed state can beplaced over (hooked onto) the second outward-facing retention lip 670 ofthe retention rail 602, and then subsequently the third lengthwise end706 of the rub strip 700 can be deformed to allow the firstinward-facing retention tab 710 to flex over the first outward-facingretention tab 672 to reach the engaged position between the rub strip700 and retention rail 602 shown in FIG. 7B. The retaining rail 602, rubstrip 700, and endcaps 610 and/or 652 are collectively referred to as awall guard herein.

In at least one aspect, the retaining rail 602 can include at least oneprotrusion 668 extending from the outward-facing side 666 of theretaining rail 602. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, an exterior surface 669of the at least one protrusion 668 can press against the interiorsurface 714 of the elongate body 702. The pressing engagement betweenthe exterior surface 669 of the at least one protrusion 668 and theinterior surface 714 of the elongate body 702 creates tension betweenthe retention tabs and can increase frictional forces between theinward-facing retention tabs 710 and 708 of the elongate body 702 andthe outward-facing retention lips 672 and 670, respectively, of theretaining rail 602, thereby increasing engagement and retentiontherebetween. The protrusion 668 can also limit any deformation of therub strip 700 in the event that the exterior surface 712 of the rubstrip 700 is impacted by a person or object, for example. The protrusion668 can also ensure the profile of the rub strip 700 (which may besomewhat flexible) is nominally held in a position that matches theprofile of the adjacent end cap 610 or 652 to maintain a nearlycontinuous surface.

In various aspects, the rub strip 700 can include an outward-facingprotrusion 720 extending from the third lengthwise end 706 of theelongate body 702. The outward-facing protrusion 720 forms a reduced gap722 with the floor 112 when the rub strip 700 is installed on theretaining rails 602. In various circumstances, the reduced gap 722 issuitably small such that a sealant bead of caulk (or other sealant)could be formed between the floor 112 and the outward-facing protrusion720. Such sealing capability may be advantageous in environments thatare potentially exposed to water, such as galleys and lavatories. Theoutward-facing protrusion 720 can be recessed from the exterior surface712 as shown in FIG. 7B to mostly hide from view the caulk or othersealant.

FIGS. 8A-8C are perspective views that illustrate a process by which awall guard according to one aspect can be installed on a wall surface.FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a wall guard spaced apart from the floor surface,but the process shown herein is equally applicable to a wall guardplaced at floor level. As shown in a first process step 800 in FIG. 8A,end caps 610 can be arranged at ends of a wall guard arrangement on awall surface 102. The end caps are secured to the wall surface 102 viafasteners 606. As shown in FIG. 8B, a retaining rail 602 can be arrangedbetween the end caps 610. FIG. 8B illustrates a second process step 802in which a total of six retaining rail segments 602 a, 602 b, 602 c, 602d, 602 e, and 602 f are arranged between and aligned with the end caps.As discussed above, the number of retaining rail segments used in thespacing between adjacent retaining rail segments can be adjusted basedon the length of the wall guard to be installed on the wall surface 102.FIG. 8C illustrates a third process step 804 in which the rub strip 700is placed over the retaining rail 602. The rub strip 700 fits betweenthe end caps 610 such that the end caps 610 cover ends of the rub strip700. Stated differently, the end caps 610 block a view of the retainingrail 602 behind the rub strip 700 that would be visible through ends ofthe rub strip 700. The resulting wall guard includes two exposed seams730 where the rub strip 700 meets the end caps 610. The seams 730 arerelatively small and therefore provide a small target for dust, dirt, orother debris to accumulate. As discussed above, an exterior surface ofthe end caps 610 includes a profile that matches an exterior profile ofthe rub strip 700 to provide, among other things, a continuous surfaceappearance.

FIGS. 9A-9C are perspective views that illustrate a process by which awall guard according to another aspect can be installed on a wallsurface. FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate a wall guard spaced apart from the floorsurface, but the process shown herein is equally applicable to a wallguard placed at floor level. The wall guard illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9Cis not as wide as the wall guard illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C. As shown inFIG. 9A, end caps 902 can be arranged at ends of a wall guardarrangement on a wall surface 102. The end caps are secured to the wallsurface 102 via fasteners 912 (which could be the same or different asthe fasteners 606 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 8A-8C). Asshown in FIG. 9B, a retaining rail 920 can be arranged between the endcaps 902. In the aspect shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the retaining rail 920comprises a single, continuous retaining rail. However, the retainingrail 920 could include a plurality of retaining rail segments. Theretaining rail 920 includes a first lengthwise end 924 and a secondlengthwise end 926 opposite the first lengthwise end 924. The retainingrail 920 is attached to the wall surface 102 with fasteners 922 (whichcould be the same or different as the fastener 606 and/or 912). In thisaspect, the end caps 902 include retaining rail extensions 906. Theretaining rail extensions 906 include a fifth lengthwise end 908 alignedwith the first lengthwise end 924 of the retaining rail 920. Theretaining rail extensions 906 also include a sixth lengthwise end 910aligned with the second lengthwise end 926 of the retaining rail 920.FIG. 8C illustrates a rub strip 930 placed over the retaining rail 920.The rub strip 930 includes an exterior surface 932 with a profile thatis matched by an exterior surface 904 of the end caps 902. The rub strip930 fits between the end caps 904 such that the end caps 904 cover endsof the rub strip 930. Stated differently, the end caps 902 block a viewof the retaining rail 920 behind the rub strip 930 that would be visiblethrough ends of the rub strip 930. The resulting wall guard includes twosmall seams 940 where the rub strip 930 meets the end caps 902. Asdiscussed above, the exterior surface of the end caps 904 includes aprofile that matches an exterior profile of the rub strip 930 toprovide, among other things, a continuous surface appearance.

FIGS. 9D-9G are end views that illustrate steps for attaching the rubstrip 930 to the retaining rail 920. FIG. 9D illustrates an end view ofthe rub strip 930. The rub strip 930 includes a third lengthwise end 934and a fourth lengthwise end 936 opposite the third lengthwise end 934.The third lengthwise end 934 includes a first inward-facing retentiontab 950 and the fourth lengthwise end 936 includes a secondinward-facing retention tab 952. The rub strip 930 is made of aresilient material such that the rub strip 932 can be deformed from arelaxed state shown in FIG. 9D to a stretched state shown in FIG. 9E (inwhich the third lengthwise end 934 and the fourth lengthwise end 936have been pulled apart from one another as indicated by arrows C). FIG.9F illustrates the rub strip 930 positioned over and aligned with theretaining rail 920 in the stretched state. The retaining rail 920includes a flat side 921 that can be arranged against a wall surface andan opposing side 923. As shown in FIG. 9F, the second inward-facingretention tab 952 is engaged with a second outward-facing retention lip962 along the second lengthwise end 926 of the retaining rail 920. Also,the first inward-facing retention tab 950 is aligned with but notengaged with a first outward-facing retention lip 960 along the firstlengthwise end 924 of the retaining rail 920. The arrangement shown inFIG. 9F could be achieved by an installer engaging the secondinward-facing retention tab 952 of the rub strip 930 with the secondoutward-facing retention lip 962 and then pulling on the thirdlengthwise end 934 of the rub strip 930 such that the third lengthwiseend 934 moves away from the fourth lengthwise end 936. Consequently, thethird lengthwise end 934 and the first inward-facing retention tab 950will be spaced apart from the first outward-facing retention lip 960 ofthe retaining rail 920. The inward-facing retention tabs 950 and 952could also engage outward-facing retention lips on the fifth lengthwiseends 908 and the sixth lengthwise ends 910 on the rail extensions 906 ofthe end caps 902.

In FIG. 9G, after the rub strip 930 is aligned with the retaining rail,any force being applied to the rub strip 930 can be relaxed so that therub strip 930 can return to the relaxed state shown in FIG. 9D. As aresult, as shown in FIG. 9G, the first inward-facing retention tab 950is engaged with the first outward-facing retention lip 960 and thesecond inward-facing retention tab 952 is engaged with the secondoutward-facing retention lip 962, thereby attaching the rub strip 930 tothe retaining rail 920.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional end view of another aspect of a rub strip1020 and retaining rail 1000 attached to a wall 102 (or to anothersurface, such as a door 104). The retaining rail 1000 includes a body1002 that includes a wall-facing surface 1006 that abuts the wall 102(or other surface) and an opposing surface 1008. The body 1002 includesa plurality of fastener holes 1004 (only one is shown in thecross-sectional view) to receive fasteners that attach the retainingrail 1000 to the wall 102 (or other surface). The retaining rail 1000includes a first protrusion 1010 and a second protrusion 1014 extendingaway from the opposing surface 1008 of the body 1002. In at least oneaspect, the first protrusion 1010 and the second protrusion 1014 extendaway from lengthwise ends of the body 1002. The first protrusion 1010includes a first inward-facing notch 1012 and the second protrusion 1014includes a second inward-facing notch 1016. The inward-facing notches1012 and 1016 define a gap 1018 therebetween. As discussed in greaterdetail below, the inward-facing notches 1012 and 1016 engageoutward-facing notches 1040 and 1044, respectively, on the rub strip1020 to hold the rub strip 1020 in place against the wall 102 (or othersurface). In one aspect, the retaining rail 1000 is made of a rigidmaterial, such as a plastic material.

The rub strip 1020 includes a body 1050 that includes an outward-facingsurface 1022 and an opposing interior surface 1024. The interior surfaceincludes a first retention tab 1038 and a second retention tab 1042extending from the interior surface 1024 toward the retaining rail 1000.The first retention tab 1038 includes a first outward-facing notch 1040and the second retention tab 1042 includes a second outward-facing notch1044. The rub strip 1020 is made of a resilient material, such as anylon polymer or metal. When the rub strip 1020 is installed on theretaining rail 1000, the retention tabs 1038 and 1042 can flex inwardlysuch that the outward-facing notches 1040 and 1044 can pass through thegap 1018 between the inward-facing notches 1012 and 1016. Thereafter,the retention tabs 1038 and 1042 return to an relaxed state such thatthe outward-facing notches 1040 and 1044 of the rub strip 1020 areengaged with the respective inward-facing retention notches 1012 and1016 of the retaining rail 1000. As a result, the rub strip 1020 isattached to the retaining rail 1000. This method of outward-facingretention notches on rub strip 1020 provides superior retentionperformance because when the rub strip 1020 is impacted (for example byluggage or a galley cart) in the center of the exterior surface 1022 itcauses the retention tabs 1038 and 1042 to flex outward increasing theirengagement with inward-facing notches 1012 and 1016 on the retainingrail 1000 during the impact. If the configuration were reversed withinward-facing retention notches on the rub strip 1020 the same impactcould cause the rub strip 1020 to disengage from the retaining rail1000.

The rub strip 1020 includes extensions along lengthwise ends 1026 and1032 that contact the wall 102 (or other surface). The rub strip 1020includes a first outer edge extension 1034 extending from a first end1032 to the wall 102 and a second outer edge extension 1028 extendingfrom a second end 1026 to the wall 102. In at least one aspect, the rubstrip 1020 also includes a first inner edge extension 1036 extendingfrom the interior surface 1024 at a location proximal to the first end1032 to the wall 102 and a second inner edge extension 1030 extendingfrom the interior surface 1024 at a location proximal to the second end1026 to the wall 102. Providing two edge extensions at and toward theends 1032 and 1026 of the rub strip 1020 can provide extra rigidity ofthe ends of the rub strip 1020 (relative to a rub strip 1020 that hassingle edge protrusions). Additionally, the two edge extensions at andtoward the ends 1032 and 1026 of the rub strip 1020 can provide achannel into which the alignment tabs on the end caps 904 can index toensure the profile of the rub strip 1020 and end caps 904 are aligned tocreate a nearly continuous surface.

The rub strip 1020 illustrated in FIG. 10 is combined with end caps 902to create a wall guard. The resulting wall guard includes two exposedseams where the rub strip 1020 meets the end caps 902. The seams arerelatively small and therefore provide a small target for dust, dirt, orother debris to accumulate.

In the aspects discussed above, the various rub strips are attached in acontinuous manner along a length of a retaining rail and/or inextrusion. Stated differently, the rub strips do not require analignment of tabs in slots or the like for attachment to the retainingrails and/or the extrusions. As a result, the rub strips can be easilyinstalled in the retaining rails and/or the extrusions. Furthermore,because the rub strips do not require an alignment of attachmentfeatures at particular locations, the rub strips can be easily modifiedto incorporate additional features. As an example, FIGS. 11A-11D areperspective views that illustrate steps for installing a curtain snap onthe extrusion 210 on a corner of a monument 1100. FIG. 11A illustratesthe monument 1100 that includes a wall panel 1102 and a door panel 1104that are attached to the extrusion 210. In FIG. 11A, a first verticalrub strip 220 has been installed in the extrusion (as discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 5) along a portion of a length of the extrusion210. In FIG. 11B, a bracket 1106 is installed in the extrusion. Forexample, the bracket 1106 may be welded, glued, or otherwise affixedbetween the first planar surface 304 of the spar 302 and the thirdsurface 312 of the rub strip protrusion 310 of the extrusion 210. InFIG. 11C, a curtain snap housing 1108 is installed over the extrusion210 at a location such that a bottom end of the curtain snap housing1108 abuts the top end of the first vertical rub strip 220. The curtainsnap housing 1108 may be fastened to the bracket 1106 via bolts, aclamp, or other fastener. In FIG. 11D, a second vertical rub strip 220is attached to the extrusion 210 above the curtain snap housing 1108.The second vertical rub strip 210 is attached at a location such that abottom end of the second vertical rub strip 210 abuts a top end of thecurtain snap housing 1108. As discussed above, because the vertical rubstrips 220 are attached in a continuous manner to the extrusion 210(e.g., without the use of slots and tabs or other location-dependentfastening means), the vertical rub strips 220 can simply be cut tolength and attached to the extrusion 210.

FIGS. 12A-12D are perspective views that illustrate steps for installinga light fixture on the extrusion 210 on a corner of the monument 1100.FIG. 12A illustrates that the extrusion 210 has been modified to includea slot 1202 passing through at least the rub strip protrusion 310 of theextrusion 210. The slot 1202 can be used to pass wiring to power a lightfixture. FIG. 12B illustrates that brackets 1204 have been installed inthe extrusion 210. Similar to the bracket 1106 discussed above withreference to FIGS. 11A-11D, the brackets 1204 may be welded, glued, orotherwise affixed between the first planar surface 304 of the spar 302and the third surface 312 of the rub strip protrusion 310 of theextrusion 210. FIG. 12B also illustrates that an aperture 1206 has beencut through the vertical rub strip 220, which has been attached to theextrusion 210. As discussed above, because the vertical rub strip 220 isattached in a continuous manner to the extrusion 210, the vertical rubstrip 220 can simply be cut to length and the aperture 1206 can be cutat the desired location for the light fixture along the length of thevertical rub strip 220. FIG. 12C illustrates a light housing 1218installed in the aperture 1206. The light housing 1218 may be fastenedto the brackets 1204 via bolts, clamps, or other fasteners. The lighthousing 1218 includes an aperture 1210 through which electrical wiringcan be accessed. The light housing 1218 also includes fastener holes1212. FIG. 12D illustrates a light 1214 installed in the light housing.The light 1214 may be affixed to the light housing 1218 using fasteners1216 (e.g., bolts) engaged with the fastener holes 1212 in the lighthousing 1218.

In the aspects described herein, rub strips can be attached to wallsurfaces and/or corner surfaces with little to no cutting or trimmingrequired. Additionally, as discussed above, the rub strips are attachedto the various retaining rails and/or extrusions in a continuous mannersuch that the rub strips do not have to be aligned with discretefasteners (e.g., slots and tabs). As a result, the aspects describedherein result in reduced assembly time and cost. Additionally, in theaspects described herein, the resulting rub strips (i.e., wall guards)include a small number of exposed and/or visible seams, therebyproviding a cleaner visual appearance and fewer locations that couldcollect dirt and/or other debris.

The descriptions of the various aspects have been presented for purposesof illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to theaspects disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope andspirit of the described aspects. The terminology used herein was chosento best explain the principles of the aspects, the practical applicationor technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, orto enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the aspectsdisclosed herein.

While the foregoing is directed to certain aspects, other and furtheraspects may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof,and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wall guard, comprising: a retaining rail thatcomprises a first lengthwise edge and an opposing second lengthwiseedge, wherein the retaining rail includes: a flat side between the firstand second lengthwise edges configured to abut a wall surface; and anopposing side, wherein the retaining rail includes at least two fastenerholes between the flat side and the opposing side configured to receivefasteners, wherein the first lengthwise edge includes a firstoutward-facing retention lip, wherein the second lengthwise edgeincludes a second outward-facing retention lip, and wherein the firstoutward-facing retention lip is laterally spaced further from the flatside than the second outward-facing retention lip; a rub strip thatcomprises a resilient body that includes a third lengthwise edge and anopposing fourth lengthwise edge, wherein the third lengthwise edgeincludes a first inward-facing retention tab, and the fourth lengthwiseedge includes a second inward-facing retention tab, wherein theresilient body is temporarily deformable from a relaxed state to alignthe first and second inward-facing retention tabs with the first andsecond outward-facing retention lips, respectively, and returns to therelaxed state such that the first and second inward-facing retentiontabs engage the first and second outward-facing retention lips,respectively, wherein the first inward-facing retention tab isconfigured to engage the first retention lip and the secondinward-facing retention tab is configured to engage the second retentionlip when the resilient body is in the relaxed state, and wherein anexterior surface of the resilient body defines a profile; and a firstend cap arranged at a first end of the resilient body, wherein the firstend cap includes an exterior profile that matches the profile defined bythe resilient body, and wherein the first end cap covers the first endof the resilient body and an end of the retaining rail.
 2. The wallguard of claim 1, further comprising a second end cap arranged at asecond end of the resilient body, wherein the second end cap includes anexterior profile that matches the profile defined by the resilient body,and wherein the second end cap covers the second end of the resilientbody and an end of the retaining rail.
 3. The wall guard of claim 1,wherein the retaining rail further includes at least one protrusionextending from the opposing side toward an interior surface of theresilient body.
 4. The wall guard of claim 3, wherein the at least oneprotrusion presses against the interior surface of the resilient body toincrease engagement between the inward-facing retention tabs and therespective outward-facing retention lips.
 5. The wall guard of claim 1,wherein the retaining rail comprises a plurality of retaining railsegments arranged in a line.
 6. The wall guard of claim 5, wherein eachof the plurality of retaining rail segments is spaced apart fromadjacent retaining rail segments.
 7. The wall guard of claim 1, whereinthe resilient body includes an outward-facing protrusion extending fromthe third lengthwise edge, wherein the outward-facing protrusion isconfigured to receive a sealant bead.
 8. A monument for a vehicle,comprising: a first wall; and a wall guard, comprising: a retaining railthat comprises a first lengthwise edge and an opposing second lengthwiseedge, wherein the retaining rail includes: a flat side between the firstand second lengthwise edges configured to abut the wall surface; and anopposing side, wherein the retaining rail includes at least two fastenerholes between the flat side and the opposing side configured to receivefasteners, wherein the first lengthwise edge includes a firstoutward-facing retention lip, and wherein the second lengthwise edgeincludes a second outward-facing retention lip; fasteners extendingthrough the respective at least two fastener holes and affixed in thewall attaching the retaining rail to the wall; a rub strip thatcomprises a resilient body that includes a third lengthwise edge and anopposing fourth lengthwise edge, wherein the third lengthwise edgeincludes a first inward-facing retention tab, and the fourth lengthwiseedge includes a second inward-facing retention tab, wherein theresilient body is temporarily deformable from a relaxed state to alignthe first and second inward-facing retention tabs and with the first andsecond outward-facing retention lips, respectively, and returns to therelaxed state such that the first and second inward-facing retentiontabs engage the first and second outward-facing retention lips,respectively, wherein the first inward-facing retention tab isconfigured to engage the first retention lip and the secondinward-facing tab is configured to engage the second retention lip whenthe resilient body is in the relaxed state, wherein an exterior surfaceof the resilient body defines a profile, and wherein the resilient bodyincludes an outward-facing protrusion extending from the thirdlengthwise edge that is recessed from the exterior surface; and a firstend cap arranged at a first end of the resilient body, wherein the firstend cap includes an exterior profile that matches the profile defined bythe resilient body, and wherein the first end cap covers the first endof the resilient body and an end of the retaining rail.
 9. The monumentof claim 8, wherein the wall guard further comprises a second end caparranged at a second end of the resilient body, wherein the second endcap includes an exterior profile that matches the profile defined by theresilient body, and wherein the second end cap covers the second end ofthe resilient body and an end of the retaining rail.
 10. The monument ofclaim 8, wherein the monument further comprises a second wall arrangedat an angle relative to the first wall, and wherein the wall guardfurther comprises a second end cap arranged at a second end of theresilient body, wherein the second end cap includes an exterior profilethat matches the profile defined by the resilient body, wherein thesecond end cap covers the second end of the resilient body and an end ofthe retaining rail, and wherein the second end cap covers a cornerformed between the first wall and the second wall.
 11. The monument ofclaim 8, wherein the retaining rail further includes at least oneprotrusion extending from the opposing side toward an interior surfaceof the resilient body.
 12. The monument of claim 11, wherein the atleast one protrusion presses against the interior surface of theresilient body to increase engagement between the inward-facingretention tabs and the respective outward-facing retention lips.
 13. Themonument of claim 8, wherein the retaining rail comprises a plurality ofretaining rail segments arranged in a line.
 14. The monument of claim13, wherein the plurality of retaining rail segments are spaced apartfrom adjacent retaining rail segments.
 15. The monument of claim 8,wherein a bottom end of the wall abuts a floor, and wherein theoutward-facing protrusion is configured to receive a sealant beadbetween the outward-facing protrusion and the floor.
 16. A vehicle,comprising: a passenger compartment that includes a floor; a monumentarranged in the passenger compartment, wherein the monument comprises afirst wall, and wherein a bottom end of the first wall abuts the floor;and a wall guard arranged on the monument, the wall guard comprising: aretaining rail that comprises a first lengthwise edge and an opposingsecond lengthwise edge, wherein the retaining rail includes: a flat sidebetween the first and second lengthwise edges configured to abut a wallsurface; and an opposing side, wherein the retaining rail includes atleast two fastener holes between the flat side and the opposing sideconfigured to receive fasteners, wherein the first lengthwise edgeincludes a first outward-facing retention lip, wherein the secondlengthwise edge includes a second outward-facing retention lip, andwherein the first outward-facing retention lip is laterally spacedfurther from the flat side than the second outward-facing retention lip;fasteners extending through the respective at least two fastener holesand affixed in the wall attaching the retaining rail to the wall; a rubstrip that comprises a resilient body that includes a third lengthwiseedge and an opposing fourth lengthwise edge, wherein the thirdlengthwise edge includes a first inward-facing retention tab, and thefourth lengthwise edge includes a second inward-facing retention tab,wherein the resilient body is temporarily deformable from a relaxedstate to align the first and second inward-facing retention tabs withthe first and second outward-facing retention lips, respectively, andreturns to the relaxed state such that the first and secondinward-facing retention tabs engage the first and second outward-facingretention lips, respectively, wherein the first inward-facing retentiontab is configured to engage the first retention lip and the secondinward-facing tab is configured to engage the second retention lip whenthe resilient body is in the relaxed state, wherein an exterior surfaceof the resilient body defines a profile, and wherein the resilient bodyincludes an outward-facing protrusion extending from the thirdlengthwise edge that is recessed from the exterior surface; and a firstend cap arranged at a first end of the resilient body, wherein the firstend cap includes an exterior profile that matches the profile defined bythe resilient body, and wherein the first end cap covers the first endof the resilient body and an end of the retaining rail.
 17. The vehicleof claim 16, wherein the monument comprises one of a closet, a lavatory,a partition, and a galley.
 18. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein theoutward-facing protrusion is configured to receive a sealant beadbetween the outward-facing protrusion and the floor.
 19. The vehicle ofclaim 16, wherein the retaining rail further includes at least oneprotrusion extending from the opposing side toward an interior surfaceof the resilient body.
 20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the at leastone protrusion presses against the interior surface of the resilientbody to increase engagement between the inward-facing retention tabs andthe respective outward-facing retention lips.